The Newsreader

The Newsreader is an Australian television drama series created by Michael Lucas, broadcast on ABC Television. Starring Anna Torv and Sam Reid, the series, which explores the personal and professional lives of journalists and crew within a 1980s Australian newsroom, premiered on 15 August 2021. The first series was ABC's most-watched drama program of 2021, airing to critical acclaim and achieving the most nominations of any show or film at the 11th AACTA Awards. A second series, commissioned in 2022, premiered on 10 September 2023. A third series was officially confirmed a month later. Cast Main Anna Torv as Helen Norville, the first female newsreader of the ratings-dominant News at Six. Coming to the position in a time of misogyny and sexism sets up roadblocks in her career, especially as her fragile mental health begins to worsen, and charts a journey of recovery by leaping head-first into a relationship with junior reporter Dale. Sam Reid as Dale Jennings, initially a junior reporter for News at Six whose eagerness to helm a bulletin sees him become Helen's producer, and the two become romantically involved - to the receptive eyes of the media - as he becomes concerned over his private life, and his personal secrets, potentially leaking onto the screen. Robert Taylor as Geoff Walters, the long-time co-anchor of the News at Six, who is critical of Helen's position, believing it to be a part of the news genre's move towards entertainment and glamour to retain viewers. As a result, he feels he is being pushed out, as part of the old guard, and lets his health suffer as he perseveres on, resolved to not let that happen. William McInnes as Lindsay Cunningham, the overbearing, easily irascible, casually bigoted, and ratings-obsessed head of the News at Six newsroom. Marg Downey as Evelyn Walters, Geoff's wife, who diligently manages his career off-screen, often to his irritation. Stephen Peacocke as Rob Rickards, the sports editor, and former VFL player, for News at Six who struggles when temporarily promoted to co-anchor/relief anchor.